🔗 Share this article ‘Complete double standard’: Tobacco giant opposed regulations in Africa that are law in UK The tobacco company stands accused of “complete double standards” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK. African regulatory opposition Documents seen by journalists originating from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred. The tobacco firm seeks changes to a proposed legislation that include reductions in the recommended coverage of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws. Anti-tobacco campaigner response “As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented Master Chimbala. Thousands of residents a year die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates. Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks. Global industry interference concerns The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to undermine international regulations. “Evidence exists of business advocacy everywhere. Manufacturer hallmarks are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the corporate monitoring director. Potential consequences “If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might possibly give up cigarettes.” The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and requiring that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging. Business countermeasures Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “following international recommended threshold”, deferred for no less than one year after the bill passes. International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces. Scented product controversy The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020. The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”. Business explanation Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.” Critic response The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”. The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said. “We exist in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and gather the crop and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.” Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had not caused companies to close, the campaigner stated. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.” Official corporate statement The company representative stated: “The corporation runs its activities following with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.” The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, adding that young individuals should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine. “We champion evolving legislation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the corporation's recommendations “mirror the circumstances of the local commercial environment and smoking product business, which encompasses increasing amounts of illicit trade”. The country's office of economic activities and commercial operations was solicited for statement.